My Review: I’m always a bit wary around sub-$20 Cabernet; years of drinking fruit bomb-y plonk makes me a bit gun shy, even though I’ve been proven wrong on the notion time after time. Fortunately, this was another of those times.

In the glass, the wine was a reddish-purple colour, while on the nose I picked up aromas of dark fruits and spice. On the palate, the wine showed a myriad of flavours, with bright, tart cherry jumping out immediately, joined quickly by raspberry, boysenberry, and cassis.

My wife and I paired the wine with Moroccan lamb meatballs (I found this recipe on Pinterest, and highly recommend – it’s hella easy to make), and it was a great decision. The bright flavours from the wine balancing out the richness of the lamb.

For $18 this wine is perfect as a mid-week sipper. It’s not too fancy, but it’s easy to drink and will pair well with that easy dinner you’re making on Tuesday after a long day at work.